Tumblr has launched a feature that its user base has wanted for some time: messaging. The blogging platform has long offered an inbox feature and way for its users to ask each other questions, but now it has added threaded, instant messaging as well.

You’ve asked us for real instant messaging, and now it’s on its way. This means things like threaded conversations – yes!

Check out your dashboard for a little smiley balloon icon (if you’re using the app, be sure that you’ve updated to the latest version first). Click it to send a message to anyone. Your recipient will automagically get the messaging feature, along with your witty and uplifting message.

Not seeing the new icon? Have no fear, messaging will launch for everybody after a few weeks, giving us time to work out the kinks.

Once you have messaging, you’ll notice that fan mail has changed a bit. Old fan mail conversations can keep kicking, but you’ll need to use messaging for initiating outgoing gems.